irrigation equipment: changing technologies - melvyn kay (uk irrigation association)
DESCRIPTION
This presentation formed part of the Farming Futures workshop 'Irrigation in a changing climate: save water, save money, get fit for the future'. 17th November 2009TRANSCRIPT
Melvyn KayUK Irrigation Association
An independent organisation promoting the wise use of water for irrigation
Irrigation equipment-changing technologies
Changing technologies
Energy costs are forcing farmers to address efficiency
Assuming a raingun, hosereel &diesel pump (2008 prices)
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Water
abour
nergy
Total
Cost £
Total
Energy
Labour
Water
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Jan/05 Jul/05 Jan/06 Jul/06 Jan/07 Jul/07 Jan/08 Jul/08
Gas
oil
p/l
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Elec
trici
ty p
/kW
h
Gas oil Electricity
Irrigation costs to apply 25 mm on 1 ha
Hess and Weatherhead, 2008
StrawberriesGrade 1 £3000/tGrade 3 £100/t
Efficiency driven by quality assurancenot yield
Is this the right option for you?
The pathway to ‘efficiency’
Optimise the irrigation network and equipment
Efficient irrigation
Demonstrate ‘best practice’
Optimise soil and water management
Understanding your system
Adequacy, efficiency, uniformity
• Adequacy – applying enough water?
• Efficiency - wastage?
• Uniformity – is water evenly spread?
Without good uniformity, it is impossible to irrigate adequately and efficiently
The humble sprinkler - the future of irrigation?
Pump
Solid set systems – sprinkler positions
Pump
Solid set systems – valved laterals
Pump
Solid set systems – valvedsprinklers
Trickle irrigation
Booms
Getting the right pump and motor
Not just about technologies
• Water abstractor groups
• Need to look up as well as down
• A voice for water in agriculture
Keep in touch
• Join the UK Irrigation Association• Get on the emailing list• Send a BLANK email to: